The NCAA on Feb. 12 penalized the ACU football and track and field teams for several infractions, mostly in the track and field program. Both programs were put on probation for two years.

The football team, though, was hit the hardest. The team had to vacate its 10 victories and statistics from those wins because, the NCAA reported, two assistant coaches helped two junior college recruits become academically eligible to play for the Wildcats in the 2007 season.

Big man on campusWhen the Northeastern State football team takes the field this season, one player who will undoubtedly attract a lot of attention from the opponent is senior nose tackle TJ Raymond.

At 6-foot-2, 285 pounds, Raymond is not only one of the largest players on the field, but also one of the best. He is a two-time All-Lone Star Conference selection and has seven sacks and 112 tackles in his two seasons with the RiverHawks. He has been torturing offensive linemen and coaches in the conference for the past two seasons.

“I always talk to the o-lineman before the first play and tell him he’s going to have a long day,” said Raymond. “Then I make sure I do my assignment.”

The cost for the dinner is $70 for individual sponsorship and $40 for each additional ticket. Contact Melissa Alonzo at 613-0121 for additional information.

The Next Eric Parker?Undrafted rookie WR Charles Martin has virtually no chance to make the active roster in 2009. However, he has an opportunity to stick on the practice squad and work his way into a very fluid mix for 2010. Find out why this small-school product just may become the next Eric Parker.

Knox was the biggest hit of organized team activities. He can absolutely fly down the field, and to everyone's delight -- and perhaps surprise -- caught almost everything thrown his way. Still, it's always wise to be cautious when it comes to rookie receivers. Knox played at a very small college -- Abilene Christian -- and might still have issues adjusting to life at the next level. But right now, Knox has a decent chance of contributing in 2009. What else do you want from a first-year player?

Brown earned first-team All-Lone Star Conference South Division honors during his senior season when he helped the Mustangs to an 8-3 record with 26 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions in 2007.

Thomas averaged just under 21 points a game her senior season in 2008, leading the Lady Bears to the state semifinals and a 34-1 record. She ended up signing a volleyball scholarship with Tarleton State, but never played for the Texanns.

She'll have to sit out the upcoming season and will be eligible to play the 2010-11 campaign and have a full four years of eligibility.

Astros honor state champion PanthersHOUSTON — Celebrations have been a constant for the Danbury Panthers baseball team this summer since the squad won the Class 2A state championship.

With parades through Danbury on firetrucks, autograph parties at players’ houses, proclamation letters from the Commissioners Court in Angleton and an appearance on Foxsports Channel 55, the Panthers have made the rounds.

“Man this is a crazy experience. Something you experience once in a lifetime,” Danbury’s Scott Zimmerle said. “It is definitely something that you cannot describe. One of those things where you just lose your mind on.

“Just to hear your name announced by the Astros’ announcer and see your face on the Jumbotron is crazy,” he said.

Zimmerle, the Class 2A most valuable player, was 17-0 on the season for the Panthers and slugged away at the plate for a .491. average. He will next suit up for the Javelinas at Texas A&M Kingsville next.